Pros: Lauste is a very challenging course long holes averaging 120 metres/400 feet. On the longest holes you can really bomb it, while you still have to stay technical. There are only five holes under 90 metres/300 feet.

The course offers a good variety of holes ranging from wide open to narrow ones in the woods. You will also have holes to throw downhill and uphill. The place itself is beautiful.

Most of the time grass is pretty well groomed and signs showing the way to next tee are clear. Tees tend to be of good quality. OB lines and mandos feel natural and they are well placed. Luck has very little to do with your score.

There is also a driving range with a length of 150 metres/500 feet.

Cons: Lauste is not at all suitable for very beginners. In theory, there are shorter alternative tees but they are not maintained. Some of the holes are a bit repetitive. For example of the 18 holes on the "field side" seven (4, 5, 7, 15, 16, 17, 19) call for a long anhyzer/turnover shot to begin with (RHBH).

If it has been rainy for a long time some holes will turn muddy. During the summer the place will have vipers although I have never seen one and they avoid humans.

There is no club house, nor are there toilets.

Other Thoughts: I believe the versatility and challenging nature of Lauste make this a world class course. It is well liked by many Finnish pro players and it is the home course of Seppo Paju. The par numbers are quite demanding and round played in par will give you a rating of 970-980.